5th Sunday - Lesson Summary

Relief Society: A Serious Work

I wasn't in town this Sunday due to Thanksgiving, so I asked my step-mother to take notes for me in Relief Society so that I could do this. What a sweet lady, eh? :) She took fantastic notes about sacrament meeting, too, but I'm just going to stick with Relief Society.

Thank you SO much for doing this for me! <--Directed to my step-mom :D

Normally, on fifth Sundays we combine with the Priesthood, but I was informed that they didn't do that this time, so the presidency had to come up with something quick. Our Relief Society President actually called me while I was several states away telling me what she wanted to teach about and how we would do it, and I'm like, "Uhhh... I'm not there." Fun times.

I'm hoping that most of you know that the enrichment program has changed since the Relief Society Broadcast. They are no longer called Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meetings--just Relief Society meetings. Sister Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President, elaborated further on the changes to the Church News which is where the link above will take you. Our Relief Society President wanted to use this extra Sunday to explain to the sisters about these changes.

It's too bad I wasn't there because this involves MY calling directly. Oh, well.

So, enough of my rambling... these are my step-mom's notes... in her own words:

• It impressed me that she said we can't write policy for one culture or place. We must be mindful of what our area needs and can do. RS activities should be under priesthood direction. Goes back to keys and revelation for our ward and our sisters and our families.
• We have more flexibility.
• We need to teach women their role in the gospel and improve understanding. (what YSA can do, help Young mothers know what they can do, etc.)
• Emphasized we should not ask sisters to do things costing money.
• Time is also a key factor. The Lord is hastening His work and RS can't require things that weaken our lives and homes.
• Weekday meetings are not mandatory.
• We must make decisions based on what is essential for our family.
• Be careful about what RS asks sisters to do in relation to time.
• We don't need to go outside our ward for ideas and teachers.
• We had several comments and discussion. It seems that the groups will not be organized by RS anymore. If someone wants to teach or learn something, it can be announced, but not put on the church calendar.
• I think it is great that our leaders have reminded us of the times we live in. We do need times together, but as Sis. Beck said anytime two RS sisters are together it is fun. ;-)

If you have any more questions about the new Relief Society meeting guidelines, feel free to message me or comment on this entry. I'll answer your questions the best I can.